How can you use SFMA to help clients return to functional movement?

1 What is SFMA?

SFMA is a comprehensive system that evaluates the quality of movement patterns in seven categories: cervical spine, upper extremity, multi-segmental flexion, multi-segmental extension, multi-segmental rotation, single-leg stance, and overhead deep squat. SFMA helps you identify the root cause of your client's movement dysfunction, whether it is a mobility issue, a stability issue, or a combination of both. SFMA also helps you design a corrective exercise program that addresses the specific needs of your client and improves their functional movement.

2 How to perform SFMA?

To perform SFMA, you need to follow a standardized protocol that consists of four steps: top-tier assessment, breakouts, regional interdependence, and functional exercise prescription. The top-tier assessment is a quick screening of the seven movement patterns that categorizes them as functional or dysfunctional, and as painful or non-painful. The breakouts are a series of tests that further examine the dysfunctional and painful patterns and isolate the impairments in mobility or stability. The regional interdependence is the concept that recognizes the interconnection between different body regions and how they affect each other's movement. The functional exercise prescription is the final step that involves selecting the appropriate exercises that target the identified impairments and enhance the functional movement.

3 What are the benefits of SFMA?

SFMA is a valuable tool that can help you improve your client's functional movement in several ways. First, it can help you identify and correct the underlying causes of your client's pain, dysfunction, or compensation, rather than just treating the symptoms. Second, it can help you customize your corrective exercise program based on your client's specific needs and goals, rather than using a generic or cookie-cutter approach. Third, it can help you monitor your client's progress and adjust your program accordingly, based on the changes in their movement patterns and pain levels. Fourth, it can help you educate your client on the importance of functional movement and how to maintain it in their daily life.

4 What are the challenges of SFMA?

SFMA is not a perfect system and it has some limitations and challenges that you need to be aware of. First, it requires a high level of skill and experience to perform it correctly and interpret the results accurately. You need to undergo a rigorous training and certification process to become proficient in SFMA. Second, it can be time-consuming and complex to perform, especially if your client has multiple dysfunctions and pain points. You need to be patient and thorough in your assessment and exercise selection. Third, it can be difficult to communicate and explain the results and the rationale of your program to your client. You need to use simple and clear language and demonstrate the exercises effectively.